Cartilage cell therapy to cure acute knee pain

Kochi: Cartilage Cell Therapy, a revolutionary cell-based treatment method, is very successful in treating acute knee pain and has been increasingly used of late, according to medical experts.

“The therapy is a treatment option where the articular cartilage is arthroscopically harvested from healthy and lesser weight bearing area of the patient’s knee and cultured. After four weeks, the cultured cells are implanted in the damaged area, which will result in cartilage regeneration and the return of complete joint function. It is a two-step minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure,” Dr Jacob Varghese, senior consultant and director of Orthopedic Centre and Department of Joint Replacement and Sports Medicine at VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi, told reporters here on Wednesday.

He also introduced two patients who have successfully undergone the procedure, now approved in the country.

“Life of Juliya George, a homemaker, was miserable after losing agility due to excruciating pain and stiffness in her left knee. The situation became so severe that she couldn’t even sit or stand for long,” Dr Varghese said.

“After several medical examinations and MRI scan, she was diagnosed with the meniscal tear and progressive degeneration of cartilage, which needed immediate attention. She successfully underwent an advanced cartilage cell therapy here.”

The other patient, Vaishakh Mohan, an IT professional, had severe knee pain from the age of 19.  “The cell therapy has provided me permanent relief from the pain,” said Mr Mohan.

After surgery, he underwent simple rehabilitation process which helped him get back to his daily routine.